There are so many reasons why Charleston should be your next getaway

Where to Stay:

From boutique hotels to well-known chains, Charleston is packed with accommodations to suit any need or longing, but perhaps none offer a stay as Charleston-chic as The Mills House Hotel. Situated at the intersection of Queen and Meeting Streets, Mills House has been an institution since it was established in 1853. The iconic pink landmark underwent a complete renovation that completed just two years ago, which brought all of the luxury and amenities you’d want to the property while maintaining its old-world charm and southern hospitality. 

While Mills House is perfectly positioned within walking distance to any restaurant in the historic district, it also offers its own on-site offerings that are worth exploring as well. Start out the day with a stop by The Black Door Café to pick up your morning caffeine fix—we’d suggest the Strawberry Honey Latte—smoothie, or breakfast sandwich (the Southern Chicken Biscuit alone is worth popping in). The café also offers a variety of lunch options, grab and go, and even gelato. Without leaving the property, visitors can also enjoy a cocktail at Terrace Bar, Mills House’s rooftop poolside bar, or Iron Rose Bar & Restaurant, which offers a variety of specialty cocktails along with menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

The Loutrel is newer on the Charleston scene—the 50-room luxury boutique hotel opened in late 2021—but its built-in beauty and charm make it an instant classic on the Charleston scene. In fact, in its short residence in Charleston thus far, it has already been recognized by Travel + Leisure as the #2 Best City Hotel in the Continental U.S., #20 Best Hotel in the World, and #1 Hotel in Charleston.

Situated in the city’s historic district, between Church and State Streets, the property exquisitely brings together Art Deco architecture and traditional southern features to create a classically beautiful space to serve as your abode while visiting the Holy City. A few of the hotels’ top offerings include the Veranda Lounge, which features the signature Charleston front porch experience inside with botanical cocktails and Mediterranean shared plates; the Clubroom, a guest-only experience with complimentary culinary presentations and snacks offered throughout the day; and the rooftop terrace, a must-visit spot to take in the sunset and enjoy a craft cocktail.

Where to Eat:

Charleston is the culinary mecca of the South, with mouthwatering menus being served up daily all over the city. Slightly North of Broad sits in the heart of East Bay Street and features a Lowcountry menu that beckons diners back again and again. From its ever-popular Shrimp & Grits and Carolina BBQ Shrimp to its rotating dishes that feature only the freshest local ingredients, Slightly North of Broad is an ideal destination for dinner lunch, and even brunch on the weekends.

Another must-visit spot, especially for brunch, is Poogan’s Porch. The Queen Street eatery is actually Charleston’s oldest independent culinary establishment. A sought-after spot for locals and visitors alike Poogan’s Porch was built in 1891 before it became a restaurant in 1976. It got its name from one of Queen Street’s most beloved residents, Poogan, a sweet puppy that was a fixture on the street and preferred to hang out on the porch of the home (he sadly passed away in 1979, though he is forever remembered on the property). In addition to feeling right at home thanks to the original character offered by the old abode, visitors can fill any craving with Poogan’s Porch’s brunch menu, which features southern favorites like Fried Green Tomatoes, She-Crab Soup, and Chicken & Waffles. Not lucky enough to make it for brunch? The delectable menu continues throughout the day, for lunch and dinner, with favorites like Shrimp & Grits and Poogan’s Famous Bone-In Fried Chicken.

The epitome of what makes Charleston such a foodie destination is 82 Queen. The quintessential eatery, situated in the heart of the historic French Quarter, is nestled between three buildings and a classic garden courtyard, creating a setting as unique as its menu, which includes a range of flavors mixed in with its familiar Lowcountry cuisine.

A visit to Charleston isn’t complete without a stop by Carmella’s Café & Dessert Bar. In fact, it’s one that you’ll more than likely visit multiple times while in the Holy City. Situated just down the street from Slightly North of Broad, Carmella’s is the mecca for all things desserts and cocktails, even combining the two with its Drunken Shakes. Also on the eclectic menu are all sorts of pastries, gelato, coffees, and teas, as well as savory options like sandwiches and pizza. Stop by for lunch to try out the Salami Goat or the Southern BLT, but be sure to save room for one of its delicious desserts, such as the Red Velvet Cake, Cannoli Cake, or Cinnamon Gelato.

Where to Play:

No matter where you are in the city, arts and culture abound. Simply walk along the downtown streets and you can fill the day taking in the incredible architecture, alluring alleyways, pristine gardens, and beautiful parks. Be sure to stroll down Rainbow Row, an iconic series of townhouses that feature the pastel hues for which the city has become known. 

Charleston got its well-known nickname, the Holy City, thanks to the 400-plus churches that call the city home. Stroll the cobblestone streets to examine the historic structures, many of which date back to 1700s. Where possible, step through the iron gates to closely examine the graveyards, which serve as the burial place for a number of well-known figures from the past. Be sure to check out the Circular Congregation Church Cemetery, the oldest graveyard in the city and home to well-preserved gravestones that date back hundreds of years, St. Michael’s Cemetery, and St. Philip’s West Cemetery, which houses the graves of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney and John C. Calhoun, two signers of the U.S. Constitution.

It can’t be overlooked that Charleston sits beside the Charleston Harbor, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. That makes for a number of water activities for those seeking some time outside. Shem Creek is a popular destination for kayaking expeditions thanks to rental options like Shem Creek Kayak Rentals and Coastal Expeditions. 

For a truly unforgettable beach experience, take a drive just 20 minutes from Charleston to the town of Sullivan’s Island, a two-and-a-half-mile long barrier island that sits at the entrance of Charleston Harbor and nearby the Isle of Palms. The small town features a beautiful beachfront of three miles that’s made for enjoying sunrise or sunset. 

Keep the focus on all things nature with a visit to the Angel Oak Tree. Located on Johns Island, just a short drive from Charleston, the Angel Oak is a southern live oak and considered to be one of the oldest living things in the entire country at between 400 to 500 years old. Pack a picnic and enjoy an afternoon spent under its limbs, which branch out and produce shade that covers approximately 17,000 square feet. 

Keep the History Going:

There’s so much history to take in during a visit to Charleston, and tours are a great way to get the scoop on it all. A top tourist destination is Fort Sumter, a sea fort built on an island in Charleston Harbor in the 1800s to defend  the mainland from naval invasion. Fort Sumter Tours take visitors via boat to Fort Sumter, which is where the bloodiest war in the United States was held during the Civil War.

Right in the heart of Charleston’s historic district is a must see for anyone interested in Charleston or United States history: The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon. The building, which was completed in 1771, is a Charleston landmark as it is the site of so many significant events in history. The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon has served as a prominent commercial exchange, custom house, post office, city hall, military headquarters, and museum. In 1791, it even hosted President George Washington when he was in town. Over its many years, it has been the property of the British, the United States, and the Confederates. Today, visitors can tour the building to learn all about its history and even check out its bottom floor, which once served as a military prison.

The Heyward-Washington House is a historic home in Charleston—it was built in 1772—and it was originally the home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The Georgian-style double house is also where President George Washington stayed during his 1791 visit to the city. The home was acquired by the Charleston Museum in 1929 and opened as Charleston’s first historic house museum the following year. in 1978, it was recognized as a National Historic Landmark, and the property houses a pristine collection of historic furnishings, including the only 1740s kitchen building open to the public in Charleston, as well as a beautifully-maintained formal garden. Visitors can take a self-guided audio tour of the property to learn all about its original owner, his role in South Carolina and United States history, and what life was like in Charleston at that time.

Where to Shop:

Charleston may be best known for its fabulous fare, but its shopping doesn’t lag behind. The city is home to the iconic King Street, a beautiful street with hundreds of years of history and was once the commercial hub of Charleston. The 300 blocks of King Street boast a plethora of shops just waiting to be explored, from major chains to locally-owned boutiques. A few of our favorites include Etú Home, which offers all sorts of European-inspired wares for the kitchen and home, and My Sister’s Cottage, a boutique offering everything from the latest trends in women’s clothing to jewelry and home décor.

You haven’t shopped in Charleston until you’ve stopped by the Charleston City Market. Established in 1807, the Charleston City Market itself is a historic landmark—it was once where slaves bought items for their plantation. The market, which is open daily, stretches four city blocks and is the spot to buy all sorts of locally-made items, including woven baskets, artwork, jewelry, clothing, sweets, and even clothing. At the Market, be sure to check out the teas and coffees from Oliver Pluff & Co., a local brand that produces a range of unique teas, many of which have historical significance. Also stop by the set up for Old Whaling Co., another locally-owned brand that produces handmade bath and body items all sea-inspired (important to note: in addition to the City Market, Old Whaling Co. also has a shop on King Street and Broad Street).

If for some reason you don’t find a piece of Charleston to take home at the Charleston City Market, you certainly will at Shop Historic Charleston. Run by the Historic Charleston Foundation, the shop (which is located at both the City Market and a brick and mortar on Meeting Street) sells all sorts of Charleston-focused items, from cookbooks and other books focused on local history to food, home décor, and jewelry. 

Peruse Charleston like a true local—and perhaps pick up a historical find to grace your home for years to come—with a stop by Carolina Antique Maps & Prints. The quaint little shop on Church Street features an incredible collection of antique maps and prints. 

If you’re looking to add to your carefully-curated closet, look no further than julep. The Queen Street boutique features all things fashion with its coordinated mix of offerings, which include the latest clothing trends, jewelry, and footwear.